Any collection is more rewarding if the collector
takes the time to become familiar with the literature surrounding
it. No field illustrates this better than Murano glass.

Although
nothing can replace the experience of actually viewing and handling
a variety of pieces produced by different makers at different times
and of discussing them with knowledgeable dealers, few have an opportunity
to educate themselves about Murano glass in that way alone. Everyone
will become a more appreciative, knowledgeable and confident collector
by acquiring and studying a few of the key books in the field. They
will learn to recognize some of the products of different glass
producers and their legendary entrepreneurs, glassblowers and designers,
and they willl understand the key factors affecting the value of
individual pieces.

The
wide variety of beautiful books on Murano glass is both a blessing
and a curse. On the one hand, it means that a great deal of information
is available but, on the other hand, it can make it difficult for
the newcomer to know where to begin. Here are some suggestions based
on my own experience over the past ten years.

This
small and inexpensive paperback by a descendant of one of Murano's
legendary glassblowing families gives a richly illustrated history
of Venetian glassmaking from its earliest days. It is informative
about both the old and the new of Murano and Venice glassmaking.(Click the title for purchase information.)

This
catalog for the historic 1996-8 exhibitions of the Steinberg Foundation
Collection held successively at Düsseldorf, Corning, Sapporo and Tokyo,
is an outstanding combination of scholarship and beautiful illustrated
examples.